Cleaning and treating machine



Jan. 15, 1963 s. w. BALZ CLEANING AND TREATING MACHINE 3 Sheets-Sheet 1Filed Oct. 3, 1961 INVENTOR. GOA THE? M4 5442 FIGURE 6 ATTORNEY Jan. 15,1963 G. w. BALZ 3,074,068

CLEANING AND TREATING MACHINE Filed 001;. 5, 1961 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 BY, W

Jan. 15, 1963 G. w. BALZ 3,074,068 CLEANING AND TREATING MACHINE FiledOct. 3. 1961 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 h V a .i 90 J H 7/6 I l 92 n 60 n V II r-J i.)

7; m FIGURE. 4

FIGURE 7 INVENTOR. GOA/THEE W BALZ 3,074,068 CLEANING AND TREATINGMACHINE Gunther W. Balz, Kalamazoo, Mich, assignor to Ransohot'rCompany, Hamilton, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Filed Oct. 3, 1961, Ser.No. 143,598 12 Claims. (Cl. 134-69) The present invention relates to acleaning and treating machine, and is more particularly concerned withsuch machine wherein parts may be cleaned and/or treated in the presenceof controlled alternating waves of energy and conventiently transferredfrom one compartment to another by rotation of a housing, and preferablyfrom one cleaning or treating stage to another by rotation of amulti-stage housing.

Cleaning machines or washing machine, as they are commonly termed,whereby uncleaned parts are vibrated in a cleaning fluid, have beendeveloped to a high state of perfection. In such prior art cleaningmachines, the parts are usually deposited in a perforated basket whichis vibrated after being lowered into a tank containing cleaning fluidfor removing grease, corrosion, and the like therefrom. When they mustbe subjected to more than one cleaning fluid, the parts are ordinarilyremoved from the basket, rinsed thoroughly to remove residual fluid, anddeposited in another perforated basket which in turn is vibrated afterbeing lowered into a second tank containing a different type of cleaningfluid. Such operation must be repeated each time it is desired to cleanthe parts with additional fluid or coat them with a chemical solution,or subject them to like treatment. Other types of cleaning and treatingmachines, although they may contain a plurality of chambers, have noeflicient means for agitation of the parts.

When cleaning or treating parts in series with several different typesof fluids, it is preferable that the overall operation be substantiallyautomatic and eflicient so as to reduce the amount of labor involved.One such satisfactory cleaning machine, in which parts are moved byvibratory conveyors, is disclosed and claimed in my copendingapplication, Serial No. 88,811, filed February 13, 1961. It is alsodesirable to make the machine as compact as possible so that a minimumof floor space is utilized. The present invention is primarily concernedwith a multi-stage cleaning and treating machine in which the parts areinserted into a cleaning compartment thereof, vibrated and cleaned ortreated with a fluid, automatically transferred by rotative means to arinsing compartment, and then to succeeding sections containing cleaningand rinsing compartments before the-y are discharged from the lastsection of the machine.

Broadly speaking, vibratory cleaning and treating of parts encompassesany method in which alternating waves of energy are employed to increaseturbulence and mechanical action around the part being processed. Forexample, by means of a multi-stage cleaning and treating machineaccording to the invention, it is possible to vibrate a mass ofuncleaned parts with heavy, medium or light duty alkaline cleaningfluids for removing soils such as oils or greases from ferrous,non-ferrous or other metal parts, then automatically transfer the partsto a rinsing compartment in the same or succeeding stage which containsrinsing fluid for removing residual clean: ing fluid from the parts,then automatically transfer the parts to a suweeding cleaningcompartment containing an acidic compound for removing tarnish, scaleand/or rust, then automatically transfer the parts to another rinsingcompartment for removing residual cleaning com pound, and thenautomatically transfer the parts to sue? ceeding compartments containingcoating compounds such as phosphates and the like for purposes ofcondition.-

nited States atent O ing metal and for depositing on the metal surface acoating, whereafter the parts may be discharged from the machine.Various ty'pes'of pickling compounds, solvents, emulsions, rustpreventive compounds, bright dip solutions and the like may be employedin the machine. This is in contrast to past practice, in which uncleanedor soiled parts were transferred manually or by conveyors from onemachine to another.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide animproved cleaning and treating machine having one or more stages.

An additional object of the present invention resides in the provisionof a parts cleaning and treating machine whereby parts inserted into acleaning compartment may be automatically transferred by rotative meansto a rinsing compartment and then transferred out of the machine.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a multi-stagecleaning and treating machine for automatically transferring parts fromone cleaning and rinsing section to a succeeding cleaning and rinsingsection.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-stagecleaning and treating machine whereby the parts are transferred from onecleaning compartment to its respective rinsing compartment by rotatingthe compartments as a unit.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a multi-stagecleaning and treating machine whereby the parts are transferred from onecleaning and rinsing section to a succeeding cleaning and rinsingsection or out of the machine by rotating the sections as a unit, whichdevice is positively self-clearing and non-clogging.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide amulti-stage cleaning and treating machine employing vibration generatingmeans for imparting orbital vibrations to each of the cleaning andrinsing sections and to the parts therein While they are being cleanedor rinsed.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a.multi-stage cleaning and treating machine comprising a simple andcompact unit.

Still another object of the present invention resides in a multi-stagecleaning and treating machine whereby the parts are deposited into thefirst section, cleaned or treated with the aid of vibrations, anddischarged from the last section on the same side of the machine.

Additional objects and advantages of the present invention will beapparent to one skilled in the art and still other advantages willbecome apparent hereinafter.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the prezentinvention then comprises the features hereinafter fully described andparticularly pointed out in the claims, the following descriptionsetting forth in detail a certain illustrative embodiment of theinvention, being indicative, however, of but one of the ways in whichthe principles of the invention may be ern= ployed.

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference may behad to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is an isometric view of a multi-stage cleaning and treatingmachine embodying the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a front elevational View of the machine shown in FIGURE 1ineide of a sound insulating box with the front portion removed;

FIGURE 3 is a vertical section taken on line III-III of FIGURE 2 showingthe internal construction of the first stage of the multi-stage housingin a loading or cleaning position with uncleaned parts in the cleaningcompartment;

FIGURE 4 is a vertical section taken on line 'IV-IV jparts leaving themachine;

FIGURE 6 is a section taken on line VI-VI of FIG URE 3 with portions cutaway better to illustrate certain constructional details of the housing,assuming that FIG- URE 3 shows the complete structure thereof; and

'FIGURE '7 is an isometric section taken on line VII- VII of FIGURE 3with portions cut away better to illustrrate certain constructionaldetails of the transfer chutes of the housing, assuming that FIGURE 3shows the complete structure.

In general, the improved multi-stage cleaning and treating machinedescribed herein comprises a plurality of sections, each of which isprovided with an opening through which uncleaned parts may be depositedinto any of the cleaning compartments thereof. conduits havingfluid-directing apertures are so mounted with respect to each cleaningcompartment as to provide a source for supplying fluid to the uncleanedparts therein. When the cleaning cycle is completed, the plurality ofsections is rotated to a transfer position and the parts are directedinto a rinsing compartment of the same section. One or more conduitshaving fluid-direct-' ing apertures are properly mounted with respect toeach rinsing compartment for supplying a rinse fluid spray for removingresidual solution or fluid from the parts. After the rinsing cycle iscompleted, the sections are rotated to their original position and therinsed parts in each rinsing compartment are transferred into a cleaningcompartment in a succeeding section where another type of fluid isdirected upon the parts. At the same time the rinsed parts in therinsing compartment of the last section are directed into a dischargechute and discharged from the machine. Additional uncleaned parts may atsuch time be inserted into the first cleaning compartment. A vibratorymotor is provided for imparting orbital vibrations to the sections invarious positions of rotation, and is preferably mounted to one or moresections or to a housing for all of the sections. Each of thecompartments in each section may be provided with a drain for removingthe fluid therefrom. The fluid drained from each of the cleaningcompartments flows into a tank and, after suitable filtering, the fluidis pumped back to the same conduit in each of the cleaning compartmentsunder pressure. The rinse fluid from each of the rinsing compartmentsnormally drains into a sewer.

Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings fora betterunderstanding of the invention, in which all the parts are numbered andin which the same numbers are used to refer to corresponding partsthroughout.

Referring now particularly to FIGURE 1 of the drawings, there isillustrated a multi-stage cleaning and treating machine, generallyindicated at 10,- which comprises a frame 11. Iournaled on the frame forrotation about a horizontal axis are a plurality of sections or amultistage housing 60. For the purpose of rotating the housing from oneposition to another, there is included a rotary mechanism, generallydesignated at 40, which is carried by the frame 11.

Considering first the frame 11, and specifically the stationary portionof the frame, it comprises a base plate 12 having a pair of I-beams orrails 13 and 14 welded thereto in spaced parallel relationship. Verticalframe members or standards 15, 16, 17 and 18 are welded at theirrespective end portions to the base plate 12 and rails 13 and 14. Morespecifically,the lower end One or more portions of standards 15 and 16are welded to rail 14 and standards 17 and 18 are welded to trail 13.Two additional vertical frame members or standards 2c and 21 are weldedat their lower end portions respectively to rails 13 and 14 and to thebase plate 12.

For the purpose of supporting the housing on the frame, lower crossmembers 23 and 24 are welded to the upper ends of vertical frame members15 and 17, and 16 and 18 respectively. Moreover, in order to support therotary mechanism 40, cross member 25 is welded to the top portions ofvertical frame members 20 and 21. Each of the vertical frame members andcross members comprise a pair of channel iron beams welded together. Thesecuring together of the base plate 12, the rails 13 and 14, verticalframe members 15, 16, 17, 18, 20 and 21, and the cross members 23, 24and 25 by welding or other suitable means completes the stationaryportion of the frame 11.

As clearly shown in FIGURES 1 and 2 of the drawings, a plurality ofcoiled helical springs 26 are employed for isolating the orbitalvibrations of the housing from the frame 11. A plurality of suitablecup-shaped members 27 are secured and equally spaced along the top sideof each of the lower cross members 23 and 24. Similar cup-shaped members28 are inverted and secured to the bottom side of each of upper crossmembers 33 and 34 and aligned with cup-shaped members 27 for supportingthe coiled helical springs 26. It should be understood that it is notnecessary to employ coiled helical springs for isolating the vibrationsof the housing from the frame 11 as various other types of resilientmembers can be employed. In the illustrated arrangement, the housing 60being resiliently supported by a plurality of coiled helical springs isthereby supported for substantial free movement in space.

Since, as will become apparent from the following description, thehousing 60 is journaled for rotation on a horizontal axis, the housingcan be rotated from a loading, cleaning or discharge position to atransfer or rinsing position and then to the original loading position.Preferably, and as illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2 of the drawings, thehousing is provided with a shaft or a pair of spindles 30 and 31 havingtheir end portions respectively secured to the side plates 61 and 62 ofthe housing 60 by means of cylindrical members 32. Spindle 31 isjournaled in a bearing 35 which is inserted in a bearing support member36 mounted on the top portion of upper cross member 34. Likewise,spindle 30 is journaled in bearing 37 which is inserted in bearingsupport member 38 mounted on the top portion of upper cross member 33.The other end portion of spindle 30 is mounted to a flexible coupling 39in order to isolate the vibrations of the housing from the rotarymechanism 40.

Considering now the rotary mechanism, generally designated at 40 inFIGURE 1 of the drawings, it comprises suitable means for rotating thehousing 6! such as a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder 41. The connectionsto the cylinder 41 are not shown since they are conventional.

The lower end of cylinder 41 is provided with a lug 42 pivotally securedby a pin 43 to a side plate 44 which is rigidly secured to the inside ofvertical frame member 20. The other end of the cylinder is provided witha piston rod 45 having its outer end secured to a lug 46 which ispivotally secured to one end of crank arm 47 by a pin 48. The other endof the crank arm is rigidly secured to a shaft 49 by means of a key 50.The shaft 49 is journaled in a pair of bearings 51 and 52 each of whichis respectively inserted into bearing support members 53 and 54 mountedin spaced parallel relationship on the top of cross member 25. A slot 55is provided in the cross member 25 inter mediate the bearing supportmembers 53 and 54 and the crank arm 47 disposed in the slot 55 canfreely rotate through an angle therein. One end of the shaft 49 isconnected to the flexible coupling 39. By energizing the cylinder 41,the piston rod 45 is forced outwardly and rotates crank arm 47 whichrotates shaft 49, coupling 39 and spindle 30, thereby rotating thehousing from the cleaning or loading position to the rinsing position.When it is desired to rotate the housing back to its original position,the cylinder is energized in reverse.

The cylinder 41 for rotating the housing 60 can be energized by apre-set automatic control panel which is not shown since it isconventional, or the cylinder can be energized manually afterpre-determined periods have elapsed.

As shown in FIGURE 2, the unitary multi-stage cleaning machine 16including the frame 11 and the housing 60 is enclosed in a soundinsulating box 53 having suitable openings for loading and unloading themachine.

A vibration generating means, such as a vibratory motor 56 is shownfixedly secured to the housing 60* by means of a motor mounting bracket57 and suitable bolts and nuts. The connections to the vibrationgenerating means 56 are not shown since they are conventional. The motorcan comprise any power means including an electric as well as a fluidmotor. For example, the motor can be of the rotating type, the vibratorytype, the hydraulic or pneumatic type, or a prime mover. Depending uponthe number of sections or units and somewhat on the degree of rigiditywith Which they are secured together, one motor can be employed forimparting orbital vibrations to the unitary housing or a plurality ofmotors can be mounted to the housing, such as one motor for each sectionor every two sections. If a plurality of motors is mounted tothe housingand the sections are rigidly secured to each other, then the rotorshafts can be coupled together to synchronize the orbital vibrations ofthe motors.

Greatest efliciency of the orbital vibrations is achieved by disposingthe vibratory means 56 with respect to the housing so that the orbitalvibrations move the mass of parts in the housing transversely or normalto the longitudinal axis of each of the compartments. It will beunderstood, however, that satisfactory vibrations can also be impartedto the housing so long as a component of each orbital vibration lies ina transverse plane of the housing. It is, however, not essential thatthe vibratory means be secured to one or more sections or a housingtherefor, so long as it is operative to impart vibratory motion theretoin at least one position of rotation.

By imparting vibrations to the housing, the mass of parts thereinreceives controlled vibrations and moves in an orbital manner. Thesevibrations substantially increase the efiiciency of the cleaning ortreating operation since the alternating waves of energy developed bythe vibrations increase the turbulence around the parts being processed.During the transfer of parts from one compartment to another thecontrolled vibrations also dislodge any parts which may adhere to thewalls.

As shown in FIGURES 1, 2, 6 and 7 of the drawings, the housing 66 isprovided with three sections which will hereinafter be referred to assections A, B and C. Although the cleaning machine housing 60 isprovided with partitions 6 3 and 64 for dividing it into sections A, Band C, it will be understood that each section can be made as a separateunit., The units can then be secured together to provide a multistagehousing.

Preferably and as illustrated, the housing 60 is provided with a roundedbottom 65 of semi-cylindrical form defin ing the bottom of cleaningcompartments 66a, 66b and 66c and rounded top 75 of semi-cylindricalform defining the top of rinsing compartments 76a, 76b and 760. Thesides of rounded bottom 65 and rounded top 75 extend toward side plates61 and 62 and are suitably welded thereto. The cleaning compartment ineach section of the housing is preferably at least partially opposed tothe respective rinsing compartment, that is, in the preferred form ofthe invention the longitudinal planes bisecting the compartments of onesection into substantially equal portions form an angle greater thanninety degrees. Sections A, B and C are provided with openings 74a, 74band 740 respec- 6 tively for inserting uncleaned parts into the cleaningcompartments 66a, 66b and 660 respectively.

From the above description and particularly from FIG.-

-URE 6 of the drawings, it is apparent that each section A, B and C isprovided with two compartments. Section A is provided with cleaningcompartment 66a defined by rounded bottom 65a, lower rear wall 67a whichis an extension of one end of rounded bottom 65a (see FIG- URE 3), aportion of side plate 61 and a portion of par.- tition 63, and rinsingcompartment 76a defined by rounded top 75a, upper rear wall 77a (seeFIGURE 3) which is an extension of one end of the rounded top 75a, aportion of side plate 61 and a portion of partition 63. Section B isprovided with cleaning compartment 66b defined by rounded bottom 65b,lower rear wall 67b which is an extension of one end of the roundedbottom 65b, and portions of partitions 63 and 64, and rinsingcompartment 76b defined by rounded top 75b, upper rear wall 77!) whichis an extension of one end of rounded top 7517, and portions ofpartitions 63 and 64. Section C is likewise provided with cleaningcompartment 660 defined by rounded bottom 65c, lower rear wall 670 andportions of partition 64 and side plate 62, and rinsing compartment 760defined by rounded top 75c, upper rear wall 770 and portions ofpartition 64 and side plate 62.

As best illustrated in FIGURE 7, the lower rear walls 67a, 67b and 670extend partially into rising compartments 76a, 76b and 760 respectivelyand the ends of the upper rear walls 77a, 77b and 770 butt up againstthe respective bottom sides of the lower rear walls (see FIGURES 3, 4and 5). In the preferred form of the invention, the ex.- terior angleformed by each of the lower and respective upper rear walls is an obtuseangle. Satisfactory transfer of the parts can, however, be obtained evenif the exterior angle is somewhat less than ninety degrees.

A conduit 70 provided with fluid-directing apertures along one sidethereof and extending substantially normal to the longitudinal axisthereof is disposed longitudinally in the housing, as'best seen inFIGURES l, 2 and 6 of the drawings, for supplying fluid pumped from anot shown storage tank to the parts in the cleaning compartments. In theillustrated arrangement, only one conduit 70 or fluid-injecting means isemployed for supplying the cleaning compartments with fluid. It is to beunderstood, however, that a separate conduit or fluid-injecting meanscan be employed for supplying fluid to each of the cleaning compartmentsand each fluid-injecting means can supply a diiferent type of solutionand be connected to a separate storage tank. Whether one or more storagetanks are employed, each tank is provided with a conventional (notshown) filter and fluid pump so as always to supply clean fluid to the'cleaning compartments by means of the conduit 70.

For the purpose of draining the fluid or solution from each of thecleaning compartments 6611,6612 and 660, drain conduits 68a, 68b and 680are inserted into openings provided in each of the rounded bottoms 65a,65b and 65's (see FIGURES 3, 4 and 5 In order to prevent the parts inthe washing compartments from flowing down the drains, foraminousmembers 69 are detachably secured over the inner openings of the drainconduits. Conventional valves are connected to each of the drainconduits .for controlling the discharge of fluid or solution to one ormore not shown storage tanks. cycle is completed, and the supply ofcontinued, valves in each of the drain conduits 68a, 68b and 68c areopened, and the solutions in each of the washing compartments 66a, 66band 66g are drained therefrom. Dependin upon h p of c e n n op a tion,it is sometimes Pr f ed to l ave h l 'ope n drains 68a, 68b and 68c andcontinuously drain the fluid directed upon the parts in the cleaningcompartments.

Due to the intricate configuration of some of the parts which arecleaned, it is possible that some of the solution can be trapped increvices or cavities thereof. For the After the cleaning cleaning fluiddispurpose of removing the fluid or solution trapped in the cavities ofthe parts before they are transferred to the rinsing compartment, anadditional drain is inserted into an opening in each of the lower rearwalls. More specifically, foraminous members 71a, 71b and 71c areprovided in openings in the lower rear walls 67a, 67 b and 670respectively. 'Drain chambers 73a, 73b and 730 are mounted to theoutside rear walls over the openings therein containing the foraminousmembers. Drain conduits 72a, 72b and 720 are connected to each of thedrain chambers 73a, 73b and 730 respectively. Each of the drain conduits72a, 72b and 720 discharges the solution into the appropriate storagetank. From the above description and particularly from FIGURE 4 of thedrawings, it will be apparent that as the housing is rotated to thetransfer position any fluid trapped in the parts themselves will beseparated therefrom and flow into the drains provided in the lower rearwalls as the parts flow down the rear wall of each of the cleaningcompartments with the assistance of the vibratory motions imparted bythe motor 56 to the housing 60-. a

If the valves in drain conduits 68a, 68b and 680 are .closed during thecleaning operation, excess fluid is discharged from the cleaningcompartment through drain conduits 72a, 72b and 72c respectively.

Preferably and as illustrated, another tube or conduit 80 disposedlongitudinally in the housing is provided with a plurality offluid-directing apertures along one side thereof and extendingsubstantially normal to the longitudinal axis thereof for supplying tapwater or other rinsing fluid under pressure to the cleaned parts as theyflow down from the cleaning compartment wall into their respectiverinsing compartment to remove quickly any of the solution from thewashed parts.

In the preferred form of the invention the conduit 89 is disposed injuxtaposition to the distal ends of the lower rear walls 67a, 67b and670 so as to direct the rinsing fluid or tap water on the parts as theyare being transferred into the respective rinsing compartments. It is tobe understood, however, that the conduit 80 can be disposed on the otherside of the rear walls 67a, 67b and 670 for directing tap water orpumped fluid to the parts after they are deposited in the rinsingcompartments, or else the distal ends of the lower rear walls can beshortened so as to permit direct discharge of rinsing fluid into therinsing compartments. A separate conduit or fluid-injecting means can beprovided for each rinsing compartment whenever it is necessary to rinsethe parts with different types of fluid. In the preferred form of theinvention, I

employ conduits 70 and 80 having fluid-directing apertures in thehousing for directing fluid upon the parts 90. It is to be understoodthat spray nozzles or other conventional fluid-directing means may beemployed instead of the conduits.

Suitable drain conduits 79a, 79b and 790 with not shown valves areinserted in openings in each of the rounded tops in rinsing compartments76a, 76b and 76c respectively for draining the tap water from therinsing compartments. Each of the drains 79a, 79b and 79c in therinsingcompartments is provided with screens 81a,

81b and 810 respectively to prevent parts from being dischargedtherethrough. The drains are normally connected to sewers. If theconduit 80, however, supplies a rinsing fluid or solution, similar notshown conventional storage tanks, filters and fluidpumps can be employedaswith the conduits of the cleaning compartments.

It will be appreciated that when the housing is rotated from the rinsingposition to the cleaning or loading pos i-' tion, it is necessary thatthe parts he transferred from one section of the housing to a succeedingsection thereof and not returned to the same cleaning compartment. Tothis end, as best shown in FIGURES 6 and 7 of the drawings, transferduct 82is disposed in section B of the housing '60and communicates withrinsing compartment 76a by means of an opening 84 provided in partition63. v The more specifically the riser 83a is disposed in a space definedby lower rear wall 67a, upper rear wall 77a and a portion of side plate61. The riser 83a directs the parts from the rinsing compartment 76ainto opening 84, through duct 82 and into cleaning compartment 66b whenthe housing is rotated from the rinsing position to the cleaning orloading position.

Likewise, transfer duct 92 is disposed in section C of the housing 60and communicates with rinsing compartment 76b of section B of thehousing by means of an opening 94 provided in partition 64 fortransferring parts from rinsing compartment 76b to cleaning compartment660. A riser 83b is also disposed in section B of the housing similar toriser 83a for directing the parts from rinsing compartment 76b intoopening 94, through duct 92 and into cleaning compartment 66c when thehousing is rotated from the rinsing position to the cleaning or loadingposition. Riser 830 is also similarly disposed in section C of thehousing. Ducts 82 and 92 respectively may be mounted on either side ofpartitions 63 and 64 and the upper rear walls of each rinsingcompartment may be suitably angled, in which case the risers becomeunnecessary.

As best seen in FIGURES 3, 4 and 5, suitable risers 84b and 84c are alsodisposed below ducts 82 and 92 in the cleaning compartmenst 66b and 66crespectively in order to prevent any parts from being lodged against theoutside bottom walls of ducts 82 and 92 when the housing is rotated fromthe cleaning to the rinsing position. Alternatively, the bottom wall ofeach duct may be suitably angled to prevent entrapment of parts, inwhich case the risers 84b and 840 become unnecessary.

A discharge chute (see FIGURES 6 and 7) communicates with an opening 104provided in side plate 62 which is the outside Wall of the last sectionof the housing in the illustrated arrangement and referred to as sectionC thereof. The parts are discharged from the rinsing compartment 76c,into the chute 85 which may also be a duct similar to ducts 82 and 92,and out of the machine when the housing is rotated from the rinsingposition to the loading or cleaning position.

From the foregoing description and particularly from FIGURE 1 of thedrawings, it will be apparent that the discharge chute 85 and theopenings 74a, 74b and 740 of the cleaning compartments in sections A, Band C respectively are along the same side of the machine.

Furthermore, by rapidly transferring the parts from one cleaningcompartment to its respective rinsing compartment, the parts are notexposed to the atmosphere for any significant period and therefore arenot subject to corrosion, surface deterioration, or the like.

In operation, uncleaned parts are inserted into an opening in the firstor in a succeeding compartment of the series of cleaning compartments.In a particular case, if any advantage is served thereby, parts may alsobe first inserted into the rinsing compartment. When only one cleaningoperation is necessary, uncleaned parts are inserted into the cleaningcompartment of the last section of the series. The opening or openingsthrough which parts are introduced may optionally be closed duringsubsequent operations. The machine can, there fore, be operated as asingle-stage cleaning machine. The vibratory motor is energized forimparting alternating waves of energy to the housing and to the contentstherein for increasing the turbulence around the parts and forcontinuously moving the parts as a mass in an orbital motiontransversely in each compartment. At the same time the cleaning fluidpump is energized for supplying fluid in the conduit havingfluid-directing apertures along one side thereof. The fluid is directedon the parts as they move in an orbital motion in the cleaningcompartment. The fluid can be continuously drained from the cleaningcompartments by drains or permitted to remain therein until the end ofthe cleaning cycle at which time it can be discharged therefrom througha drain and returned to the storage tank.

After a predetermined period has elapsed, the supply of cleaning fluidhas been discontinued, and all the fluid has been drained from thecleaning compartments, the housing is rotated to the rinsing positionand the parts gravitate with the assistance of the vibrations down thelower rear walls of the cleaning compartments. As the parts move towardor enter the rinsing compartment, depending on the location of the rinsefluid-directing means, the rinse fluid spray is activated and the partsare sprayed with rinse fluid for removing the cleaning or washing fluidtherefrom. Drains are provided in the rinsing compartments for removingany of the rinse fluid which collects therein. When all of the parts aresprayed or rinsed and deposited in the rinsing compartment, the housingis rotated back to its loading or cleaning position. The rinsed partsgravitate down the upper rear wall of the rinsing compartment with theaid of the vibrations and are directed by the riser through an openingand into the transfer duct which directs the parts into the succeedingcleaning compartment. At the same time an additional charge of unwashedparts is inserted into the first cleaning compartment of the series.After the first cleaning compartment has been charged with uncleanedparts and all of the parts have been transferred from the rinsingcompartment of the first section into the washing compartment of thesecond section, the cleaning cycle is repeated. At the end of the secondcleaning cycle, the housing is again rotated to the rinsing position andthe parts in each of the cleaning compartments gravitate with theassistance of the vibrations down the lower rear walls and are directedinto the respective rinsing compartments. When the parts are completelyrinsed either in the rinsing compartment of the last section or seriesof housings, or just prior to entering same, they are ready to bedischarged from the housing as soon as the housing is rotated back tothe loading or cleaning position.

For certain operating conditions, it may be preferable to modifyslightly the rotary mechanism, the relative positions of componentswithin the housing, and the connections to the motor for rotating thehousing through one or more cycles in the same direction, that is, sothat the housing can be rotated through a complete revolution when it isrotated from the cleaning position to the rinsing position and then backto the cleaning position.

The housing can contain as many sections as there are different types ofcleaning solutions. Moreover, the cleaning fluid in each cleaningcompartment can be of the same type while the rinsing fluid for eachrinsing compartment is of a different type, or vice versa. Some of theconduits may contain hot gases for drying the parts. Depending on thetype of fluid or solution employed, the fluid from each compartment canbe drained into a separate storage tank, filtered and then pumped backunder pressure to the same compartment for reuse. Whenever tap water isused, it is usually discharged from the drain into a sewer.

It is to be understood that the term fluid is used generically todesignate various liquids or gases employed in cleaning, treating,drying, or rinsing parts, including chemical solutions employed cleaningand/or rinsing parts-as well assu ch compounds used for coating ordescaling parts.

It is thus seen that a new and etficient multi-stage cleaning or washingdevice is hereby provided, whereby all of the aforesaid objectives ofthe invention are accomplished.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the exactdetails of construction, operation, or exact materials or embodimentsshown and described, as obvious modifications and equivalents will beapparent to one skilled in the art, and the invention is therefore to belimited only by the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a machine for cleaning parts the combination of a plurality ofcompartments mounted for rotation on a horizontal axis and forsubstantial free movement in space, fluid-injecting means operativelyassociated with said compartments for supplying fluid therein, means forguiding the parts between adjacent compartments, a drain openative lyassociated with said compartments for discharging fluid therefrom, meansfor imparting alternating waves of energy to said compartments formoving the mass of parts therein in an orbital motion and for increasingthe turbulence and mechanical action around the parts, and means forrotating said compartments from one position to another so that theparts flow in and out of adjacent compartments successively.

2. A cleaning machine comprising a housing mounted for rotation on ahorizontal axis, a cleaning compartment in said housing having anopening adapted to receive uncleaned parts, a rinsing compartment insaid housing adapted to receive parts from said cleaning compartmentwhen said housing is rotated to a rinsing position, a firstfluid-injecting means operatively associated with said cleaningcompartment for supplying fluid to parts therein, a secondfluid-injecting means in said housing for supplying. fluid to partsentering said rinsingcompartment, a drainconnected to each of saidcompartments for removing fluid therefrom, discharge means communicatingwith said rinsing compartment for discharging parts from said housingwhen said housing is rotated from the rinsing position to a cleaningposition, vibration generating means secured to said housing forimparting vibrations thereto in at least one position of rotation, andmeans operatively connected to said housing for rotation thereof to therinsing position and to the cleaning position.

3. In a cleaning machine, the combination of a cleaning compartment anda rinsing compartment attached to and communicating with each other androtatably mounted as a unit for substantial free movement in space,fluid-inject:- ing means operatively associated with said compartmentsfor injecting fluid into atleast one of said compartments, a drainconnected to said compartment served by said fluid-injecting means forremoving fluid therefrom, vibrationgenerating means for impartingvibrations to said cleaning compartment, and means for rotating saidcompartments.

4. A cleaning machine comprising a housing journaled for rotation on ahorizontal axis and including means defining a cleaning compartment andmeans defining a rinsing compartment, fluid-injecting means in saidcompartments adapted to supply fluid therein, a drain for each of saidcompartments for removing fluid therefrom, said housing being providedwith an opening for charging said cleaning compartment with parts and anopening for discharging said parts from said rinsing compartment,vibration generating means mounted on said housing for impartingvibrations thereto in at least one position of rotatron, and meansoperatively connected to said housing for rotation thereof.

5. A cleaning machine comprising a series of housings mounted forrotation as a unit on a horizontal axis and for substantial freemovement in space, a cleaning compartment in each of said housings ofthe series having an opening adapted to receive uncleaned parts, arinsing compartment in each of said housings of the series communicatingwith its respective cleaning compartment for receiving parts when saidseries of housings is rotated to a rinsing position, fluid-injectingmeans disposed in each of said cleaning compartments for supplyingcleaning fluid to the uncleaned parts, fluid-injecting means in each ofsaid housings operatively associatedwith each of said rinsingcompartments for supplying rinsing fluid to the parts, a drain connectedto each of said compartments of the series for discharging fluidtherefrom, means for transferring parts from one housing to thesucceeding housing, discharge-means communicating with the rinsingcompartment of the last housing of the series for discharging partstherefrom when said housing is rotated to a discharge position,vibration generating means operative to impart vibrations to saidhousings in at least one position of rotation, and means operativelyconnected to said series of housings for rotation thereof from oneposition to another. i

6. In a cleaning machine, the combination of a housing mounted forrotation on a horizontal axis and for substantial free movement inspace, a cleaning compartment in said housing having an opening adaptedto receive uncleaned parts, a rinsing compartment in said housing havingan opening adapted to receive parts from said cleaning compartment whensaid housing is rotated to a rinsing position, a partition disposed insaid housing for dividing said compartments into a plurality ofsections, fluid-injecting means provided in each of said sections forsupplying fluid therein, transfer means mounted in said housing fortransferring parts from one section to the succeeding section, dischargemeans connected with the last section of said housing for dischargingparts therefrom, drain means provided in each section of the housing fordischarging fluid therefrom, vibration generating means secured to saidhousing for imparting vibrations thereto in at least one position ofrotation, and means operatively associated with said housing forrotation thereof to the rinsing position and to a cleaning position.

7. A multi-stage cleaning machine comprising a series of housings, eachhousing including a bottom compartment and atop compartment securedtogether for rotation on a horizontal axis and mounted for substantialfree movement in space, fluid-injecting means disposed in each of saidhousings of the series for injecting fluid therein, means for supplyingfluid to said fluid-injecting means, drain means connected to each ofsaid housings of the series for removing fluid therefrom, said firsthousing of the series being provided with an opening for receivingparts, discharge means connected to the last housing of the series fordischarging parts therefrom, vibration genera-ting means mounted to saidseries of housings for imparting alternating waves of energy thereto invarious positions of rotation, means operatively connected to saidseries of housings for rotation thereof from one position to another,transfer means mounted in said housings for transferring parts from onehousing to a succeeding housing of the series when said series isrotated from one position to another, and means for directing parts fromthe bottom to the top of each housing of the series.

8. In a cleaning machine, the combination of a housing mounted forrotation on a horizontal axis, a cleaning compartment in said housinghaving an opening adapted to receive uncleaned parts, a rinsingcompartment in said housing adapted to receive parts from said cleaningcompartment, a conduit mounted in said housing having fluiddirectingapertures along one side thereof extending substantially normal to thelongitudinal axis thereof, means for supplying fluid to said conduit forspraying parts in said cleaning compartment, means for rotating saidhousing from a cleaning position to a rinsing position, a tube mountedin said housing having fluid-directing apertures along one side thereofextending substantially normal to the longitudinal axis thereof, meansfor supplying fluid under pressure to said tube for rinsing partsentering said rinsing compartment, a drain in each of said compartmentsfor removing fluid therefrom, discharge means communicating with saidrinsing compartment for discharging parts from said housing, vibrationgenerating means secured to said housing for imparting vibrationsthereto in at least one position of rotation, and means 12 operativelyassociated with said housing for rotation thereof from one position toanother.

9. In amulti-stage cleaning machine including a housing mounted forrotation on a horizontal axis, said housing having a cleaningcompartment and a rinsing compartment, a first fluid-directing meansdisposed in said housing for supplying fluid to said cleaningcompartment, a second fluid-directing means disposed in said housing forsupplying fluid to said rinsing compartment, a plurality of drainsconnected to said housing for discharging fluid therefrom, vibrationgenerating means for imparting vibrations to said housing in at leastone position of rotation, and means for rotating said housing from acleaning position to a rinsing position and back to the cleaningposition, the combination of a partition disposed in said housing fordividing said cleaning compartment and said rinsing compartment intosections, a baflle mounted in each section of the housing for preventingthe return of parts from the rinsing compartment section to itsrespective cleaning compartment section, a duct disposed in said housingand communicating with an opening provided in said partition fortransferring parts from the first section of the rinsing compartment tothe succeeding section of the cleaning compartment, and the last sectionof the housing being provided with an opening for discharging partstherefrom.

10. A multi-stage cleaning machine comprising a series of housingsmounted for rotation as a unit on a horizontal axis, a cleaningcompartment in each of said housings having an opening adapted toreceive uncleaned parts, a rinsing compartment in each of said housingscommunicating with its respective cleaning compartment for receivingparts when said series of housings is rotated from a cleaning positionto a rinsing position, a first fluid-directing means provided in eachhousing for supplying fluid to each cleaning compartment thereof whensaid housing is in the cleaning position of rotation, a secondfluid-directing means provided in each housing for supplying fluid toeach rinsing compartment thereof when said housing is in the rinsingposition of rotation, a drain for discharging fluid from each of thecleaning and rinsing compartments, each housing wall between adjacentrinsing compartments being provided with an opening to receive parts,and the housing wall constituting the outer wall of the last rinsingcompartment of the series being provided with an opening for dischargeof parts, a first baffle in each of said rinsing compartments, saidfirst baffle in said rinsing compartment of all except the last housingof the series communicating with said opening in said housing wallbetween adjacent rinsing compartments for guiding parts therethrough,said first baflle in said rinsing compartment of the last housing of theseries communicating with said opening in the housing wall constitutingthe outer wall of the last rinsing compartment in the series for guidingthe discharge of parts therethrough, a duct communicating with saidopening in each housing wall between adjacent rinsing compartments fortransferring parts from said rinsing compartment of the one housing intothe cleaning compartment of the next housing of the series, a secondbaffle in each of said housings interposed between said cleaningcompartment and its respective rinsing compartment for preventing theflow of parts from said rinsing compartment into its respective cleaningcompartment when said series of housings is rotated from the rinsingposition to the cleaning position, vibration generating means forimparting vibrations to said series of housings in at least one positionof rotation, and means for rotating said series of housings to therinsing position and to the cleaning position.

11. A multi-stage cleaning machine comprising a series of housingsmounted for rotation as a unit on a horizontal axis and having acleaning position of rotation and a rinsing position of rotation, acleaning compartment in each of said. housings having an opening adaptedto receive uncleaned parts, a rinsing compartment in each of saidhousings communicating with its respective cleaning compartment forreceiving parts when said series of housings is rotated from a cleaningposition to a rinsing position, a first fluid-directing means providedin each housing of the series for supplying fluid to each cleaningcompartment thereof when said housing is in a cleaning position ofrotation, a second fluid-directing meansprovided in each housing of theseries for supplying fluid to each rinsing compartment therein when saidhousing is in a rinsing position of rotation, means for supplying fluidunder pressure to said fluid-directing means, means for dischargingfluid from various compartments of the housings, each housing wallbetween adjacent rinsing compartments being provided with an opening toreceive parts, and the housing wall constituting the outer wall of thelast rinsing compartment of the series being provided with an openingfor discharge of parts, a first baffle in each of said rinsingcompartments, said first baflie in said rinsing compartment of allexcept the last housing of the series communicating with said opening insaid housing wall between adjacent rinsing compartments for guidingparts therethrough, said first baffie in said rinsing compartment of thelast housing of the series communicating with said opening in thehousing wall constituting the outer wall of the last rinsing compartmentof the series for guiding the discharge of parts therethrough, a ductcommunicating with said opening in each housing wall between adjacentrinsing compartments for transferring parts from said rinsingcompartment of the one housing into said cleaning compartment of thenext housing of the series, a second baflie in each of said housingsinterposed between said cleaning compartment and its respective rinsingcompartment for preventing the flow of parts from said rinsingcompartment into its respective cleaning compartment when said series ofhousings is rotated from the rinsing position to the cleaning position,vibration generating means for imparting vibrations to said series ofhousings in at least one position of rotation, and means for rotatingsaid series of housings to the rinsing position and to the cleaningposition.

12. A multi-stage cleaning machine comprising a series or" housingsmounted for rotation as a unit on a horizontal axis, a cleaningcompartment in each of said housings having an opening adapted toreceive uncleaned parts, a rinsing compartment in each of said housingscommunicating with its respective cleaning compartment for receivingparts when said series of housings is rotated from a cleaning positionto a rinsing position, a first fluiddirecting means provided in eachhousing for supplying fluid to each cleaning compartment thereof, asecond fluid-directing means provided in each housing for rinsing theparts entering each rinsing compartment thereof, means for supplyingfluid under pressure to each of said fluid-directing means, a drainconnected to each of said compartments for discharging fluid therefrom,a first bathe in each of said rinsing compartments communicating with anopening provided in a side of each of said housings of the series forguiding parts therethrough, a duct communicating with each of saidopenings for transferring the parts from the rinsing compartment of allexcept the last housing of the series into the cleaning compartment ofthe next housing of the series and from the rinsing compartment of thelast housing of the series into a discharge chute, a second baflie ineach of said housings interposed between said cleaning compartment andits respective rinsing compartment for preventing the flow of parts fromsaid rinsing compartment into its respective cleaning compartment whensaid series of housings is rotated from the rinsing position to thecleaning position, vibration generating means for imparting vibrationsto said series of housings in various positions of rotation, and meansfor rotating said series of housings from the cleaning position to therinsing position and back to the cleaning position.

References Qited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS

1. IN A MACHINE FOR CLEANING PARTS, THE COMBINATION OF A PLURALITY OFCOMPARTMENTS MOUNTED FOR ROTATION ON A HORIZONTAL AXIS AND FORSUBSTANTIAL FREE MOVEMENT IN SPACE, FLUID-INJECTING MEANS OPERATIVELYASSOCIATED WITH SAID COMPARTMENTS FOR SUPPLYING FLUID THEREIN, MEANS FORGUIDING THE PARTS BETWEEN ADJACENT COMPARTMENTS, A DRAIN OPERATIVELYASSOCIATED WITH SAID COMPARTMENTS FOR DISCHARGING FLUID THEREFROM, MEANSFOR IMPARTING ALTERNATING WAVES OF ENERGY TO SAID COMPARTMENTS FORMOVING THE MASS OF PARTS THEREIN IN AN ORBITAL MOTION AND FOR INCREASINGTHE TURBULENCE AND MECHANICAL ACTION AROUND THE PARTS, AND MEANS FORROTATING SAID COMPARTMENTS FROM ONE POSITION TO AN-